YOUR LOCAL NEWS & SPORTS ONLINE. SCAN HERE! Vol. 35, No.8 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net Free Every Friday in final game as Revere finishes strong T Day scores 65 to net 1,000th By Dom Nicastro alk about a fi nish. To a career. To a season. And to another moment in the record books. Ethan Day, a Revere High School boys basketball senior, scored an incredible 65 points and reached the 1,000-point milestone on his last game as a Patriot. It came in Revere’s 80-53 win over Northeast Voke in the consolation round of the PatSPORTS | SEE Page 4 point ton Tournament at HamiltonWenham High School Tuesday, Feb. 18. The way he did it? We’ll let Day himself explain: 781-286-8500 Friday, February 21, 2025 Parking Advisory Committee discusses free parking for business district By Th e Advocate T he Parking Advisory Committee is putting together a new parking program for Broadway that the entire city will like. At their January meeting, they discussed the plan to give everyone who comes to Broadway to run an errand or pick up takeout, or for any other short visit, 15 minutes of free parking. Other cities and towns with similar parking provisions put up small signs that say parking is limited to 15 minutes. But Revere isn’t going with the honor system. The committee is looking at two GRAND OCCASION: Shown bottom row, left to right: Charles Dobre, Adnane Amimme, Jayden Balogun and Devin Berry. Shown top row, left to right: Nico Cespedes, Gio Alexandre, Erick Mayorga, Zaney Kayembe, Ethan Day (holding paper marking his 1,000th nos, Isaiah Llanos, Peter Dacelien, Josh Mercado and Avi Lung. point), Nick Rupp, Chris ReciA.C. Whelan Recognizes 37 students for exemplary growth mindset By Melissa Moore-Randall T he A.C. Whelan held their January Student Celebration. The Monthly Morning Meeting Team proudly honored 37 amazing students who have exemplified a Growth Mindset in their daily learning and interactions. This round, nominations came from classroom teachers, recognizing students who embrace challenges, persist through diffi culties, and continuously strive to improve. To celebrate their achievement, these students received: a heartfelt parent letter from the staff member who nominated them, recognizing their perseverance, a classroom award to proudly display in their learning space, and a special “GROWth Mindset” prize pack symbolizing how effort and dedication helped them grow. WHELAN | SEE Page 5 The AC WHELAN Growth Mindset Celebration Students, shown in no particular order, are; Yahya Maazi, Elijah Diaz, Ximena Torres, Ronald Malfy, Alison Torres, Kathryn Garcia, Jacob Sorto Lima, Niya Patel, Aiza Villanueva Landaverde, Brandon Lee Jr., Livia Bitencourt Cardosa, Damien Alarcon, Michael Desimone, Louis Djina, Alessio DeGruttola, Edwin Diaz Tejada, Robert Newton, Isaiah Surpris, Ariana Pena Ayala, Ava Ciano, Julieta Hurtado Herrera, Alice Delplank Bastianeli, Sofi a Rodriguez, Nirmine Idham, Jayden Rivera, Hernandez, Mia Capunay, Renatha Del Rio Patino, Elliana Muniz, Valentina Locarevic, Allyson Ramirez Perlera, Camryn Lincoln, Clara Rossi, Danna Aguirre Sagastume, Eyden Mendez, Danny Ayala Chacon, Juan Diego Vega Martinez and Linh Hoang Nguyen. styles of meters for short-term parking. One attaches to a parking meter pole and has a button that’s pushed to start a 15-minute clock. A second style meter goes on top of an existing meter and snaps a photo every time a car moves in or out of a space. The fi rst option is $265 per unit, while the dome goes for $295. The committee believes they will need 30 units, all of which will also require a Bluetooth adapter. The committee will be looking for some numbers and information on revenue collected with the new tech in a few months. The Parking Committee’s newest member, Juan D. Jaramillo, who also owns Sofi sTech, a commercial sign shop on Broadway, represents the Broadway Business Association. Jaramillo offered to supply signs or stickers with instructions for the new 15-minute meters, but the committee did not feel that would be necessary. Jaramillo stressed that limited parking and aggressive enforcement are issues that the Broadway business community felt were diffi cult on customers and a drag on business. “We don’t want people to come in for a $10 food order and then get whacked with a $20 ticket,” said Jaramillo, who added that businesses on Shirley Avenue have also had problems with delivery trucks. The committee voted to table the free parking plan until their next meeting on or around April 16.
Page 2 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 Celebrating Jewish Women’s History Month March 5 I n celebration of Jewish Women’s History Month, Lappin Foundation, JCCNS, and NSJCC invite the community to Ballots, Babies, and Banners of Peace, featuring Dr. MeMARCHETTI CORP. 46 Years of Excellence!! 1978-2024 Regular Unleaded $2.839 MidUnleaded $3.379 Super $3.479 Diesel Fuel $3.539 HEATING O L IL ULS $4.759 $3.39 9 DEF Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! 24-HourBurnerService Open an account and order online at: Kerosene Available! Hours: Monday thru Friday 6 AM to 7 PM / Saturdays 7 AM to 5 PM / Sundays 9 AM to 5 PM lissa R. Klapper, Professor of History and Director of Women’s & Gender Studies at Rowan University. The program will highlight the untold story of American Jewish Women’s Pre-World War II activism and the long history of American Jewish women’s involvement in making change in the world around them. The program will take place on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 7:30 p.m. ET on Zoom. The program is free, and everyone is welcome. Please register at LappinFoundation.org. For more information contact Sharon Wyner at 978565-4450 or email swyner@ lappinfoundation.org. Celebrating 51 Years! Dan - 1972 We Sell Cigars & Accessories! Chris 2023 * Travel Humidors * Desk Top Humidors * Many Types of Lighters * Ash Trays * Juuls * Glass Pipes * Rewards Program * CBD Infused Products * GIFTS UNDER $30 - GIFT CERTIFICATES ALL MAJOR BRANDS Singles * Tins * Bundles * Boxes SMOKER’S DELIGHT! 15 HANDMADE CIGARS! Four-Year-Old Tobacco * 100% Long Filler * Cellophane $49.95 STORE HOURS: OPEN DAILY Monday thru Sunday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM R.Y.O. TOBACCO & TUBES ON SALE! Humidor Special! Model A holds up to 25 cigars incl. ash tray, cigar cutter and leather pocket holder! Special Price! $99.95 WE MAKE HOUSE KEYS! A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 Community Development expects $745K CDBG funding again this year By Th e Advocate T he City’s Community Development Program Manager, Megan Ragab, gave the city a detailed infomercial on this year’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) this week. Last year, Revere received an annual grant of $745,808 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Ragab said the city expects a similar level of funding this year. She will spend the next few months developing an action plan for the funding. The money can be spent on a variety of needs. Ragab said that last year $300,000 was used to provide small business loans to 13 local businesses. But funding also goes towards housing, repairs and improvements of public facilities, infrastructure improvements, such as road and sidewalk repairs, maintenance of parks and athletic fields and support for organizations that assist the community. However, 70 percent of the grant must be used for projects that benefi t the city’s low- to moderateincome population. For many, the exciting part of the CDBG is that 15 percent of the award can be used for public service projects. Neighborhoods and small organizations can rally together and apply for funding for projects. Neighborhood sports leagues, cultural festivals and park improvements have all been funded by CDBG awards. Ragab will gather all requests for funding and present them to the community before submitting the city’s action plan to HUD at the end of June. The money will be available for projects sometime in September. Aff ordable Housing Trust expects surge in new housing applications The Aff ordable Housing Trust Fund board had good news this month for people on both ends of the housing spectrum. The city’s First Time Homebuyer program received a signifi - cant infusion of New Year funding thanks to state Sen. Lydia Edwards. The program has reopened and there will be more chances for households looking for assistance. Board Chairman Tom Gravellese reminded those watching that they didn’t need to have a property picked out to apply for the aid. “You have six months to fi nd a property,” he said, adding that that would put people in spring when the buying season heats up. “It’s a terrifi c opportunity.” Director of Planning and Community Development Tom Skwierawski said his offi ce is looking forward to new applications. Applicants must have two years of residency in Revere and meet economic guidelines. The board is also looking at launching a home repair program that will help residents continue to age in place. The home repair program will focus on work that needs to be done to increase accessibility, such as wheelchair ramps, railings, lifts and other accommodations. The board had been looking at partnering with Habitat for Humanity on a home repair program but they decided ultimately to create an individual program for Revere. Gravellese said the board would work with the City Council to fi nd the funding needed to support the work. Although the board is still working out details, applicants must be Revere residents, meet the occupancy requirement and have an income of 80 percent average median income. They plan to have applications for the program available at the Senior Center. Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma FLEET Prices subject to change
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 Page 3 Auditor DiZoglio’s Bureau of Special Investigations Identifies Over $2.5 Million in Public Benefit Fraud in Q1 of FY25 B OSTON — State Auditor Diana DiZoglio this week released the Bureau of Special Investigations (BSI) quarter one report. The report summarizes BSI’s work and initiatives to help make government work better by investigating, fraud, abuse, and illegal acts involving public assistance benefi ts throughout the Commonwealth. For quarter one, BSI investigated a total of 814 cases and received overpayment calculations in 207 cases with identifi ed fraud. Further details regarding these 207 cases may be found below. “For many residents across the Commonwealth, public benefi t programs provide access to everyday essential items, such as food and medical supplies,” said Auditor DiZoglio. “Through the eff orts of our fraud examiners, we continue to help ensure public benefi t programs operate with transparency, accountability, and equity. Our offi ce will continue to work to ensure taxpayer dollars are used eff ectively and that resources are available to those who truly need and qualify for them.” Summary of Investigations Completed with Fraud Identified Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Medicaid $1,528,615.00 $568,517.13 Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) $307,324.63 Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) $112,787.47 Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC) Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Grand Total $28,392.66 $3,719.10 $2,549,324.63 RON’S OIL Call For PRICE MELROSE, MA 02176 NEW CUSTOMER’S WELCOME ACCEPTING VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER (781) 397-1930 OR (781) 662-8884 100 GALLON MINIMUM Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available Sabatino Insurance is proud to welcome the loyal customers of ALWAYS READY TO SERVE YOU: Our Staff are, Emma Davidson, Jeimy Sanchez, Josephine Leone, Marie D’Amore, Rocco Longo, Z’andre Lopez, Anthony DiPierro, Darius Goudreau, Laurette Murphy, Danielle Goudreau and Tina Davidson. PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM
Page 4 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 SPORTS | FROM Page 1 “There was 15 seconds left in the game. I had the ball on a fastbreak going up the court. I missed a contested layup, and my teammate Erick Mayorga got the rebound and passed back for an open fl oater.” Revere finished the season 8-12, just two games shy of qualifying for the Division 1 tourney. Day’s fi nish? 65th the evening. 1,000th his career. Not a bad fi nal few seconds. He joins Sal Botari (1987) and Trae Weathers (2010) in 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! CONGRATULATIONS ETHAN: Shown from left to right, Asst. Coach Conor Browne, RHS Head Coach David Leary, senior tri-captain Ethan Day, asst. coaches John Leone, Alex Green and Dennis Leary. Missing in photo: coach Bob Sullivan. the Grand Club for Revere boys basketball. “My senior year was good and a lot of fun,” Day said. “I was hoping to get 10 wins to make the state tournament, but we lost a lot of close games. But it was very fun, and I’m happy my senior year was with a very fun and great group of teammates.” Day also added 10 rebounds, fi ve assists and two steals as he notched Point No. 1,000 “with the help of all his great teammates,” according to Revere coach David Leary. “He’s the third boy in the history of the school to do it.” Day also led Revere in points www.810bargrille.com with 27 in the opening round of the tourney — a 44-42 loss to Hamilton-Wenham, the tourney champion. He grabbed nine boards, and senior forward Erick Mayorga added fi ve points and seven rebounds. Earlier, the Patriots traveled to Tewksbury for a crucial matchup against a top-ranked Tewksbury of Division 2. The Patriots, who had suff ered a 72-52 defeat in their fi rst encounter, were determined to keep their state tournament hopes alive on Senior Night. The Patriots started strong, with senior tri-captain Josh Mercado sinking a corner 3-pointer and senior forward Erick Mayorga making a tough inside basket. Day contributed with two baskets and two free throws early on. Freshman guard Charles Dobre also made his presence felt with a strong fast-break fi nish. Despite their eff orts, Revere found itself trailing 18-15 after the fi rst quarter. The game continued at a measured pace into the second quarter, with both teams exchanging effi cient off ensive plays. Avi Lung, Revere’s senior tri-captain, drove to the basket impressively, and Mayorga landed an open 3-pointer. However, Tewksbury managed to maintain its lead, fi nishing the half ahead, 34-28. The second half saw Revere making a concerted eff ort to close the gap, ignited by Day’s back-to-back 3-pointers and a series of free throws. A strategic drive and kick from Day to Dobre for a corner three brought the Patriots within one point of Tewksbury. Yet, despite playing their best basketball of the season during this stretch, Revere’s offense faltered, and Tewksbury extended its lead to 54-43 by the end of the third quarter. The fi nal quarter proved diffi cult for Revere as the Patriots struggled to convert opportunities. Day managed a layup and two free throws, and Dobre added a layup, but Tewksbury’s consistent performance from beyond the arc kept it in control, ultimately sealing the game at 66-49. This loss dashed Revere’s hopes for tournament play, but Coach Leary remained optimistic. “Proud of the way these guys fought until the end,” Leary remarked. “They knew what was on the line and could have just given in early in the third quarter when we got down 16 but to our credit, we pushed back.” SPORTS | SEE Page 5 point for point for
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 Page 5 CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH ON FREEDOM TRAIL® AMERICAN PATRIOTS® AFRICAN TOURS F reedom Trail® Foundation’s acclaimed African American Patriots® Tours celebrate the African American patriots that played a vital role in the start of the American Revolution in Boston and in the formation of our country. Led by 18th -century costumed guides, tour-goers can view history through the eyes of these courageous men and women throughout Black History Month in February. African American Patriots® Tours begin on Saturday, February 1 and are held regularly in February on Saturdays and Sundays departing at 10:45 a.m. from the Boston Common Visitor Information Center. Revolutionary fi gures such as Crispus Attucks, Phillis Wheatley, Prince Hall, Peter Salem, and others come to life during these 90-minute walking tours while zigzagging through the Freedom Trail — Boston’s iconic 2.5-mile brick trail leading to 16 nationally signifi cant historic sites. African American Patriots Tours invite visitors and residents alike to discover the immense contributions of Black Bostonians during the American Revolution and beyond, as the stories unfold along Boston’s historic red-lined path. Hear WHELAN | FROM Page 1 Students also participated in the fi rst-ever Bubble Gum Brain vs. Brick Brain Relay race! Teams raced to collect and unwrap colored “snowSPORTS | FROM Page 4 Thursday night brought an emotional Senior Night as Revere hosted Brooke Boston High School. The night was made even more special as two-year team manager Brady Kerr, dressed in uniform for the fi rst time, scored the Patriots’ fi rst basket to a standing ovation. Energized by the crowd and the significance of the evening, the Patriots led 34-20 at halftime, driven Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 425r Broadway, Saugus about the sacrifi ces these patriots made, the battles they fought, and the legacies they left behind, as well as the stories of signifi cant abolitionists and civil rights activists in Boston’s history. African American Patriots® Tours are ideal for groups, schools, residents and those visiting the city. Public tour tickets may be purchased at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center at $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, and $8 for children unballs,” then determined if the messages inside reflected a Growth Mindset (Bubble Gum Brain) or a Fixed Mindset (Brick Brain). Congratulations to the Purple Team for correctly placing all 16 by strong performances from their seniors. The second half saw Revere maintain its lead, fueled by solid free-throw shooting and continued aggressive play. The Patriots eventually closed out a 64-45 victory, giving their seniors a memorable fi nal home game. An emotional Coach Leary refl ected on the evening, “Just a special night for our kids, our community and our program. Brady will always have this moder 12 years old. Tickets may also be purchased online at TheFreedomTrail.org. The African American Patriots® Tours are also available year-round for groups as private tours. Other events and programs celebrating Black History Month are held at offi cial Freedom Trail sites. For information regarding Freedom Trail events and programs, tickets, reservations, group rates or questions, please call (617) 357-8300 or visit TheFreedomTrail.org. snowballs! This celebration was a wonderful reminder that intelligence and abilities grow with eff ort, and we are so proud of our students for embracing this mindset every day! ment to remember, and it was so awesome that he was able to share it with his parents, our seniors and their friends. I think being a part of this puts a lot of the winning, losing, etc. in perspective. We have a great group of kids and seniors that always stayed together this year during the ups and downs and that’s important when you are a part of a sports team or just in life in general. So happy these guys got to go out on a positive note.” Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut Street We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! 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Page 6 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 North Shore Philharmonic’s Winter Concert features music of Ravel, Barber and Rachmaninoff R ussian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff ’s demanding Symphony No. 3 and Maurice Ravel’s delightful “Mother Goose Suite” will highlight the program when Music Director Robert Lehmann conducts the North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra (NSPO) in its Winter Concert on Sunday, February 23 at Swampscott High School auditorium. Also on the concert program is First Essay for Orchestra by American composer Samuel Barber. Concert time is 3:00 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door or can be purchased in advance at www.nspo.org for $30, $25 for seniors and students. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Rachmaninoff, who is reMusic Director Robert Lehmann conducts the North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra “Winter” concert Sunday, February 23 at Swampscott High School. Donate Your Vehicle Call (866) 618-0011 to donate your car, truck, boat, RV, and more today! Support Veteran Nonprofi ts. Free Pickup & Towing. Top Tax Deduction. Donate Your Vehicle Today 866-618-0011 www.veterancardonations.org/dnt122 While we appreciate every donation, in some cases, we fi nd that we are unable to accept certain vehicles, watercraft, and/or recreational vehicles due to the prohibitive costs of acquisition. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (866) 618-0011. nowned for his works for piano, wrote three symphonies, with some 40 years separating the fi rst and third. Critics claimed that the Third was too much a “modern” piece, and it was not well-received by audiences; however, over the years Rachmaninoff’s Third Symphony has earned its place in the symphonic Repertoire for its orchestral color. Ravel, who is well-known for his aff ection for children and animals, originally wrote a piano suite for four hands based on the famous Mother Goose stories in 1908, and four years later he wrote the Orchestration. The imaginative, medodic music evokes the wonderment of the characters “Pavane for Sleeping Beauty,” Tom Thumb, the Laideronette — Empress of the Pagodas — “Beauty and the Beast” and, fi - nally, a celebration of nature in The Enchanted Garden. Barber wrote the Essay for Orchestra in 1937 (it was later retitled “First Essay for Orchestra), apparently at the invitation of the celebrated Italian conductor Arturo Toscanini, who conducted the fi rst performance with the NBC Symphony Orchestra in a program that included Barber’s now-famous “Adagio for Strings.” The Essay form of musical composition develops a complex and thoughtful work from a single thesis. The NSPO is playing its 76th season. Staff ed largely by volunteer players, the NSPO is committed to providing affordable access to quality classical music. The Orchestra strives to develop, train and provide opportunities for young musicians while providing a large range of programs covering the full range of symphonic and pops repertoire for a diverse public. For full concert information, visit www.nspo.org or contact info@nspo.org. The North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra performs its “Winter” Concert Sunday, February 23 at Swampscott High School.
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 Page 7 MassFiscal slams Governor’s hidden prescription drug tax Plan will hurt consumers to pay for migrant-driven MassHealth costs T he Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance (MassFiscal) sharply criticized Governor Maura Healey’s hidden tax on prescription drugs disguised as a “pharmacy assessment,” which was inconspicuously slipped into her fi scal 2026 budget proposal. The tax, which resurrects a failed policy from two decades ago, would charge pharmacies up to $2 per prescription, with the funds funneled into the state’s struggling MassHealth program — a system increasingly burdened by costs associated with the state’s migrant crisis. “This proposal is a prescription for disaster. It’s a hidden tax that will ultimately be passed on to consumers, raising healthcare costs at a time when families, seniors, and small businesses can least aff ord it. Governor Healey is asking Massachusetts residents to foot the bill for a broken MassHealth system that is drowning in expenses, largely due to her administration’s inability to address the migrant crisis,” said MassFiscal Executive Director Paul Diego Craney. The “pharmacy assessment” — buried in Section 78 of Healey’s budget — imposes either a 6% fee on pharmacy revenues or $2 per prescription, whichever is lower. The administration claims that the tax will not impact patients directly, but MassFiscal asserted that this notion is misleading. “This is a tax, plain and simple, no matter what spin the administration puts on it. Pharmacies will have no choice but to pass these costs along to consumers. For most people in Massachusetts, this will mean higher out-of-pocket costs for essential medications,” said Craney. According to the Healey administration, the tax is expected to generate up to $145 million annually to prop up MassHealth and prevent pharmacy closures in low-income areas. However, MassFiscal noted that the governor’s approach avoids tackling the root causes of MassHealth’s unsustainable growth. “MassHealth costs are skyrocketing because of Beacon Hill’s refusal to address the infl ux of illegal and inadmissible migrants overwhelming our public programs. Rather than enacting meaningful reforms to control costs, Governor Healey is resorting to taxing prescription drugs—a move that will Come and enjoy Polymnia Choral Society’s performance of Haydn’s “Lord Nelson Mass” F or over 70 years, Polymnia Choral Society has been delivering great performances to acknowledge and honor the important times in our lives. On Saturday, March 8, Polymnia will continue this tradition by performing Joseph Haydn’s “Lord Nelson Mass,” a masterwork that will resonate through the rafters from the opening “Kyrie” to the fi nal “Amen.” Originally titled “Missa in angustiis” (Mass For Troubled Times), this choral work contains music that was written during a time of war. It expresses both the tension that existed during that time and the hope for a brighter future. This Mass is widely acknowledged as Haydn’s greatest work. Alongside this masterpiece of the classical era will be Elaine Hagenberg’s fi rst major work, Illuminare. This work is already receiving praise for its eff ectiveness and beauty. This concert will be held at the Melrose Performing Arts Center at Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School (350 Lynn Fells Pkwy.). Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, $15 for students and $5 for children. To purchase tickets for this concert, visit https:// polymnia.org/about-our-upcoming-season/ or Miter Biter (479 Main St.) or call 617-633-5006. This program is funded in part by a grant from the Melrose Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. For more information about Polymnia: www.polymnia.org/about hurt Massachusetts residents while letting her administration’s fi scal mismanagement off the hook,” said Craney. This is not the fi rst time Massachusetts has attempted such a tax. A similar “pharmacy assessment” was struck down by a Superior Court judge in 2003, who called it an illegal excise tax. Then-Governor Mitt Romney later vetoed an attempt to revive it, citing its disproportionate impact on seniors and those on fi xed incomes. “Governor Healey is recycling bad policy from two decades ago. It didn’t work then, and it won’t work now. The people of Massachusetts deserve better than to have their healthcare costs hiked to pay for a problem the administration refuses to fi x,” closed Craney. MassFiscal advocates for fi scal responsibility, transparency and accountability in state government and increased economic opportunity for the people of our Commonwealth. If We Happen To Meet By Accident ... 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Page 8 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 Las Parceritas fundraises for Fitzhenry dog park through a podcast By Tara Vocino L as Parceritas hosted a dog park fundraiser, Paws for a Cause, for the forthcoming Fitzhenry dog park along Constitution Avenue last Wednesday night at Chocolaff ee. Mayor Patrick Keefe said The Neighborhood Developers cares a lot about the community. Shown from left to right: Mayor Patrick Keefe, HYM Vice President Rachel Ottley and Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky during a Fitzhenry dog park podcast at Chocolaff ee last Wednesday. He’s Back...and Better Than Ever! John A. Fitzpatrick (Fitzy) Sales & Lease Consultant Direct: 617.410.1030 Main: 617.381.9000 Cell: 617.279.9962 McGovern Automotive Group 100 Broadway, Rte. 99, Everett Need a hall for your special event? The Schiavo Club, located at 71 Tileston Street, Everett is available for your Birthdays, Anniversaries, Sweet 16 parties and more? For more info, call (857) 249-7882 Shown from left to right: Chocolaff ee co-owner Diana Cardoso, The Neighborhood Developers Senior Resource Development Manager Heather Vieira, The Neighborhood Developers Placekeeping Manager Jasmin Bach and resident Melanie Rodriguez. The Neighborhood Developers Community Building Co-Director José Augustin Iraheta Zaldaña said that residents currently bring their dogs there informally. Resident Jan Dumas, who has an emotional support dog, said dog owners often stay in their own groups, adding that she has wanted a dog park within walking distance for a long time. Residents Joseph Cole and Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky enjoy Colombian nuts.
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 Page 9 Shown from left to right: Chocolaff ee co-owner Diana Cardoso, The Neighborhood Developers Senior Resource Development Manager Heather Vieira, The Neighborhood Developers Placekeeping Manager Jasmin Bach and HYM Vice President Rachel Ottley. HYM has donated $2,500 to the Constitution Avenue Park, and it has a location at 10 Suff olk Downs Boulevard that is open now. Shown from left to right: Chocolaff ee co-owner Diana Cardoso, The Neighborhood Developers Senior Resource Development Manager Heather Vieira, The Neighborhood Developers Placekeeping Manager Jasmin Bach and Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky. Shown from left to right: Chocolaff ee co-owner Diana Cardoso, The Neighborhood Developers Senior Resource Development Manager Heather Vieira, The Neighborhood Developers Placekeeping Manager Jasmin Bach and resident Jan Dumas. 9-MONTH CD 4.25% Unlock Tomorrow’s Potential. There’s Every Bank, Then There’s *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate of the date posted and is subject to change without notice. APY assumes the Member FDIC | Member DIF APY* Shown from left to right: Chocolaff ee co-owner Diana Cardoso, The Neighborhood Developers Senior Resource Development Manager Heather Vieira, The Neighborhood Developers Placekeeping Manager Jasmin Bach and Chocolaff ee co-owner Angelica Cardoso. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino)
Page 10 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 Revere High School praises football coaches on their 100th career win during banquet By Tara Vocino R evere High School’s Boys’ Varsity Football Patriots Team awarded top student athletes during their awards banquet at Prince Pizzeria last Tuesday. The Parents’ Club awarded Coaches Vin Gregorio and Louis Cicatelli their 100th career win along with student awards. The Patriots’ RB Jose Escobar received the Off ensive Player of the Year Award from Co-Head Coach/ Off ensive Coordinator Jose Escobar. Kicker Joel Vasquez received the Unsung Hero Award from offensive line/defensive line Coach Vin Gregorio. Freshmen, shown from left to right: Tom Waldron, Coach Brandon Brito, Yahya Hamdi, Rothanak Huot, Amari Miller, Tobey Reda, Felipe Demelo, Anthony Pelletier and Assistant Coach Jared Gordinas during last Tuesday’s Revere High School Boys’ Varsity Football Patriots Team banquet at Prince Pizzeria. Yousef Benhamou received the 12th Coach Brandon Britto. Player Award from Asst. Kicker Joel Vasquez received the Special Teams Most Valuable Player Award from Asst. Coach Ed Doris. Adam Metawea received the Coaches’ Award from Assistant Coach Jared Gordinas. Darian Martinez received the Coaches’ Award from Assistant Coach Jared Gordinas. Sophomores, shown from left: Bottom row: Pablo Morosita, Arthur Nazareth and Adalberto Martinez; top row: Assistant Coach Brandon Brito, Audi Kuy, Diego Leal, Silvio Neto, Assistant Coach Jared Gordinas, Cesar Herrera and Head Coach Louis Cicatelli. QB/Punter Daniel Hou received the prestigious Fabiano Award from Head Coach Louis Cicatelli. QB/DB Daniel Hou received the Team Most Valuable Player — Player of the Year Award from Head Coach Louis Cicatelli. Shown from left to right: Parents’ Club President Noelle Forte with Coaches Jared Gordinas and Brandon Britto, player Walter Franklin, coaches Ed Doris and Vin Gregorio, player Jose Escobar and Head Coach Louis Cicatelli.
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 Page 11 Juniors, shown from left: Top row: Assistant Coach Brandon Brito, Louis Forte, Gabriel Paixao, Bryan Fuentes, Ceaser Herrera, Mario Martinez, Sergio Peguero, Assistant Coach Ed Doris and Head Coach Louis Cicatelli; bottom row: Adalberto Martinez, Walter Franklin, Jaxon Martel, Kouwen Kuy and Yousef Benhamou. Seniors, shown from left: Top row: off ensive line/defensive line Coach Vin Gregorio, Gabriel Paretsis, Joel Vasquez, Head Coach Louis Cicatelli, Assistant Coach Ed Doris and Louis Gonzalez; bottom row: Darian Martinez, Geo Woodard, Adam Metawea and Daniel Hou. Parents’ Club President Nicole Forte (in center) congratulated Asst. Coach Vin Gregorio (at left) and Head Coach Louis Cicatelli on their 100th career win. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino)
Page 12 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 Revere High School Boys’ Basketball Team and Patriots Cheerleaders Celebrate Seniors Senior Peter Decelien was accompanied by his proud teammates Joshua Mercado, Nicholas Rupp, Jayden Balogun, Adnane Amine, Avi Lung, Isaiah Llanos, Gio Alexandre, Ethan Day, Erick Mayorga, Nico Cespedes, Noah Ramos, Devin Berry and Zaney Kayembe and Coach Alex Green. By Tara Vocino R evere High School Patriots Boys’ Varsity Basketball and Cheerleading Teams held the i r Sen i or Night against the Brooke High School Boys’ Varsity Basketball Senators last Thursday night. Seniors, shown from left: Gio Alexandre, Erick Mayorga, Joshua Mercado, Avi Lung, Ethan Day, Jayden Balogun, Peter Decelien and Team Manager Brady Kerr with Head Coach David Leary. Shown from left: Front row: seniors Gio Alexandre, Erick Mayorga, Jayden Balogun, Tri-Captains Josh Mercado, Ethan Day and Avi Lung, Peter Dacelien and Brady Kerr; back row: Asst. Coach John Leone, Head Coach David Leary, Asst. Coach Jay Siegel, Nico Cespedes, Isaiah Llanos, Chris Recinos, Devin Berry, Zaney Kayembe, Adnane Amime, Charles Dobre, Nick Rupp and Asst. Coaches Bob Sullivan, Alex Green and Conor Browne.
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 Page 13 Mayor Patrick Keefe (back row, third from left) joined Avi Lung’s family — including his mother Molleda Choung, his father Lung Chea, his sister Elaysia Lung, his uncle Thomas Chea, his uncle Lang Chea, his brother Carter Robinson, his uncle Lay Chea, his grandfather Kevin Chea and his cousin Anivia Sophorlrath — on the bleachers. Senior Tri-Captain Avi Lung was accompanied by his proud mother Molleda Choung, his father Lung Chea, his sister Elaysia Lung, his uncle Thomas Chea, his uncle Lang Chea, his brother Carter Robinson, his uncle Lay Chea, his grandfather Kevin Chea, and his cousin Anivia Sophorlrath. Cheerleader Jaelynn Smith was accompanied by her grandfather Rick, her grandmother, her sister Londyn and her best friend, Jessica. Senior Team Manager Brady Kerr was joined on the court by his mother, Tina, and his father, Joseph. Cheerleader Jayla Foster was accompanied by her mother Kerri, her father Steven, her grandmother Linda, her grandfather Robert and her aunt Crystal. Senior Joshua Mercado was joined on the court by his father Bogs, his mother Rona, his brother Jaeron, his sister Rebecca, his aunt Prima Valera and his grandmother Suzema Valera. Senior Jayden Balogun was accompanied by her mother, Thais Iannaccone, during last Thursday’s Revere High School Boys’ Varsity Basketball Patriots Team Senior Night. Senior Erick Mayorga was joined on the court by his mother Jessica, his father Erick, his sister Mia and other family members. Cheerleader Vita Somboun was joined by her father Ae, her siblings Luca, Dominick and Karla, her aunt Maria, School Resource Offi cer Joseph Singer and friends Darian Martinez, Juju, Judi, Maya, Geo Woodard, Izzy and Jayla Foster. Senior Gio Alexandre was joined on the court by his proud sister Jhuwina and his cousin, Anne. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino)
Page 14 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 Revere boys, girls track makes noise at state level By Dom Nicastro R evere wasted no time making its track presence felt at the Division 1 state championship last week at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston. Senior captain Liv Yuong broke her own school record in the indoor long jump with a massive jump of 16-8. This shattered her old record of 15-11 by nine inches and was good for a seventh-place fi nish overall. She scored two points for Revere. “It’s also important to note that Liv had suffered a fall in her hurdle fi nals right before this event began and was jumping with a wrist she could not move,” Revere coach Racquel MacDonald-Ciambelli said. “This also stopped her from taking her three additional jumps in the finals which I am confident would’ve led to a higher place and a longer school record. Talk about resilience.” Yuong also had an eighthplace fi nish in the 55-meter hurdles with a massive PR of 9.10. This was.14 seconds faster than the previous PR she set the week before and scored another one point for the team score. “Liv was responsible for all three of our team points at this meet,” MacDonald-Ciambelli said. “Heading into the Pentathlon on Feb. 25, these two new PRs should help increase Liv’s overall score and put her one step closer to another school record.” Junior middle distance standout Gemma Stamatopoulos just missed out on scoring in the 600-meter with a ninth-place fi nish. She ran a 1:42.31, which was only about.2 seconds off her overall PR and school record. “This was defi nitely a tight race and had some pushing and shoving which Gemma hasn’t seen yet this year,” MacDonald-Ciambelli said. “She has the fitness to go under 1:40; I’m sure of it. Gemma will also compete in the Pentathlon where she hopes to take down the 800-meter indoor school record.” Stamatopoulos also ran the 1,000-meter the week before the state championship meet at the MSTCA Qualifier Meet, where she placed fourth overall with a massive PR of 3:10.49. This is only one second off the 1,000-meter school record, which MacDonald-Ciambelli is confi dent she will break before she graduates. Junior distance standout Olivia Rupp placed 17th overall in the mile run with a massive PR of 5:35.60. This is seven seconds faster than her previous PR of 5:42. “It’s also important to note that Olivia’s PR at the start of this season was 5:55,” her coach said. “In the last two months, she has brought her mile time down by 20 seconds. This is such a testament to her work ethic and overall talent.” Basma Sahibi was the Patriots’ fi nal athlete who qualifi ed for Division 1 states. She placed 31st overall with a time of 10.23. At a “last chance to qualify” state meet, the Revere boys got a national qualifi er for the New Balance Nationals in the Sprint Medley Relay from Edwin Alacron, Jeremy X, Oliver Escobar and Youness Chahid. At the Division 1 state meet the following week, in the 300, Jeremy X placed 22nd out of 42 competitors in a time of 36.85. In the 600, Edwin Alarcon placed 21st out of 28 in a time of 1:27.99. In the 1,000, Youness Chahid took 18th out of 46 in a time of 2:41.51. Bryan Maia took 18th out of 26 in the shotput with a throw of 44-0.25. Revere record-setting trackster Liv Yuong. The Revere High School boys track team qualifi ed for the New Balance Nationals in the Sprint Medley Relay (SMR). The team is, left to right, Edwin Alacron, Jeremy X, Oliver Escobar and Youness Chahid.
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 Page 15 Weather It Better: Outdoor Power Equipment Helps Clean Up After Storms WeatherItBetter.com offers checklist, safety tips for home & business owners A LEXANDRIA, Va. — Chainsaws, generators, snow throwers, utility type vehicles (UTVs), water pumps, and other types of outdoor power equipment help home and business owners maintain properties and clean up after storms or weather-related emergencies. Home and business owners are urged to visit WeatherItBetter.com, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) hub for storm preparation, safe equipment usage tips and checklists to help them prepare for today’s unpredictable weather. “Bad weather can hit anytime, anywhere, so plan for it,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI. “With any weather event, like hurricanes, snow and ice, we usually know they’re coming. Get fresh fuel, charge batteries, and test outdoor power equipment in advance so you’re powered up and ready to use it. If the power goes out, you can’t get those things easily.” In particular, says OPEI, when using a portable generator, homeowners should make sure they have weather-approved extension cords that keep it a safe distance from the house and users follow all manufacturer’s guidelines. Kiser says storm preparation boils down to thinking strategically about what equipment is needed. “Our industry is constantly evolving and innovating, and there’s a lot of equipment on the market today that can make big jobs easier, to help you ‘weather it better’ when storms hit,” says Kiser. “But you need to have the right equipment on hand before damaging weather hits.” When the power goes out, a generator can keep the lights on and phones charged. A utility type vehicle can move people and supplies quickly, and a water pump can get out fl ood waters from basements and other spaces. String trimmers, leaf blowers, and mowers can remove combustible material away from a structure. Chainsaws and pole pruners can take down dead limbs and trim trees and bushes. “Safety gear and following manufacturer’s directions is key to using outdoor power equipment,” adds Kiser. “It’s important to ensure everyone who uses equipment knows and follows all safety procedures.” Find safety tips, checklists and more at WeatherItBetter.com.
Page 16 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 RevereTV Spotlight C ozy up at home this school vacation with a homecooked meal from a recipe on “What’s Cooking, Revere?”! Tune in for a special Valentine’s Day themed episode. The chef hosts of this episode are Carmen and Dell, who are sharing a delicious dish that’s perfect for two! Try making quick and tasty Brazilian chicken pancakes. Check out the recipe at the end of the video that is now posted to YouTube and playing on the Community Channel. Continue cooking with RevereTV by watching the newest episode of “Fabulous Foods with Victoria Fabbo.” In this exciting episode of “Fabulous Foods,” Victoria is joined by special guest and fellow chef Yesenia. Together, they guide you through preparing several variations of traditional Puerto Rican pase?lloes. Tune in to the Community Channel and follow along! This episode is also posted to YouTube, where you can watch at your convenience. RevereTV went to CityLab High School in Beachmont for the school’s midyear showcase for the end of fi rst semester. The event was full of projects created by the students and included a musical 1. On Feb. 21, 1885, what monument was dedicated on the Mall in D.C.? 2. In 1901 what president officially named the White House? 3. On Feb. 22, 1980, what U.S. team defeated the Soviets at the Winter Olympics? 4. What U.S. president was sworn in by his nickname? 5. According to the American Kennel Club, what dog breed (“Sammies”) has a smile that keeps it from drooling and forming icicles? 6. In 1919 in the BostonEvening Transcript was “See the dancing snowflakes. Practicing for the snowball, I suppose”; it was located on what street with a president’s name? 7. On Feb. 23, 1848, what president (middle name is a city) died in the U.S. House? 8. What president from New Hampshire accompanied Nathaniel Hawthorne on a trip to the state? 9. Where is the world’s largest granite quarry: Egypt, North Carolina or Oregon? 10. On Feb. 24, 1942, the Voice of America fi rst broadcasted — Answers in what language? 11. What is a whipper-in? 12. What Asian board game is considered now the world’s oldest in continuous play? 13. On Feb. 25, 1873, what Italian-American “fi rst international recording star” was born? 14. What American newspaperman/author said, “One of the most striking diff erences between a cat and a lie is that a cat has only nine lives”? 15. Why does Guadeloupe (in the Caribbean) have the euro for currency? 16. On Feb. 26, 1919, Congress approved establishing what fi rst national park east of the Mississippi? 17. Generation Y people are more commonly known as what? 18. In 1952 what magazine debuted with the line “Tales calculated to drive you Mad — humor in a jugular vein”? 19. What slang word means a style with bucolic inspirations? 20. On Feb. 27, 1807, what poet who wrote “The Village Blacksmith” was born? Portal To Hope (“PTH”) serves people whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence and related assault crimes. Job Opportunities Available: PTH is seeking a Victim Advocate and a Licensed Social Worker to join our team! If you would like to join PTH’s award-winning team and share your leadership in the cause to end domestic violence, please call (781) 338-7678 for more information; or, email portaltohope@aol.com. performance. At the start of the video coverage, you will be greeted by Mayor Patrick Keefe and School Committee Member Jacqueline Monterroso. The two explain more about the event and talk about the importance of this school in the city. Watch RTV’s video coverage of the CityLab Showcase on the Community Channel and YouTube. On “In the Loop,” the city liaisons say to keep an eye out for the 2025 City Census form in your mailbox. It’s essential for everyone to participate, regardless of age, race, religion or immigration status. Completing the census helps ensure the community receives the necessary state and federal funding for public safety, schools, parks, roads and support for over 100 programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). If you’re registered to vote, completing the census is required to stay on the active voter list. The envelope with the census also includes an optional vote-by-mail signup for all 2025 elections. If interested, simply return the enclosed form to the Election Department along with the census. For any questions, contact the Election Department at City Hall. Catch up on February meetings at City Hall on RTV GOV and YouTube. The current replay schedule on television includes the latest from the City Council, Conservation Commission, Commission on Disabilities, Aff ordable Housing Trust Fund, and Conservation Commission. A special meeting about Environmental Resilience in Beachmont is also in the mix. RTV GOV is channel 9 on Comcast and channels 13 and 613 on RCN. 1. The Washington Monument obelisk; at the time it was the world’s highest manmade structure. 2. Teddy Roosevelt (It had been called other things, such as the President’s Palace.) 3. Ice hockey 4. Jimmy Carter 5. Samoyed 6. Washington (once “Newspaper Row”) 7. John Quincy Adams (died after having a stroke on the House Floor) 8. Franklin Pierce (the author died during the trip) 9. Mount Airy, North Carolina 10. German (against Nazi propaganda) 11. A huntsman’s assistant with works with dogs 12. Go 13. Enrico Caruso 14. Mark Twain 15. It is an overseas d?partement o f France so is part of the eurozone. 16. Acadia National Park 17. Millennials (born in 1980s-1990s) 18. Mad 19. Cottagecore 20. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 Page 17 OBITUARIES Mario Cimmino home 128 Revere Street, Revere, MA. Entombment to follow at Holy Cross Mausoleum in Malden. In lieu of fl owers please consider donating in Mario’s name to Mass General Hospital Center www.giving.massgeneral.org Margaret R. (Tortorello) Paula O f Revere. Passed away on February 18, at the age of 85. Born in Frattaminore, Naples Italy on November 5, 1939, to the late Luigi and Carmela (Perrotta) Cimmino. Devoted husband of 64 years to Rosa (Lupoli) Cimmino. Cherished father of Luigi (Janet) Cimmino, Diana Cuoco and her late husband Dennis, Frances (Steven) Cioffi and Michael (Amanda DiLando) Cimmino. Beloved Nonno of Marissa Cimmino, Mario Cimmino and Michael Cioffi . Mario is survived by many loving family members including in laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and his constant companion, his nephew Joe Agostino. He will be remembered as a family man who always put others fi rst with a generous heart and the best taralli cookies. Funeral Services for Mario will be held Tuesday, February 25, 2025, from 9-12PM with a 11:30AM prayer service at Paul Buonfi glio and sons’ funeral and she continued to be a devoted wife and mother of her three children. She is the beloved wife of 73 years of the late Anthony J. Paula, Sr. Loving mother of Anthony J. Paula, Jr. of Revere, Donna Paula — Willis and husband Dan of Alamo, CA and the late Patricia Paula. Cherished grandmother of Stacy Blinn, Anthony J. Paula, III, Shayna Paula, Jeff rey Paula, Gregory D. Willis, and Trevor M. Willis. She is blessed with fi ve great grandchildren. She is the treasured sister of Beatrice DeLeo of Malden and the late Santa Costa, Lawrence Tortorello, Flora Giannetto, and Rose Sergi. She is also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Family & friends were reO f Revere. Who died at MGH in Boston on Saturday February 15th following brief illness, she would have celebrated her 100th birthday on June 3rd. Margaret was born to her late parents Joseph & Josephine (Colleta) Tortorello, on June 3rd,1925 in Somerville. She was raised and educated in Medford and was an alumna of Medford High School, Class of 1943. Margaret worked in Banking in her early years, until she married her husband Anthony Paula in April of 1948. Margaret became a housewife and raised her children. They relocated to Revere in 1953, spectfully invited to attend Visiting Hours on Thursday, February 20th in the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, Revere A Funeral Service followed. Interment immediately followed in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. In lieu of fl owers, remembrances may be made to the Katzman Center for Living: Activities Fund, 17 Lafayette Ave., Chelsea, MA 02150. BettyAnn (Jenkins) Pericotti O EABODY — There are only a few weeks left to purWe already have an amazchase tickets to the Rotary Club of Peabody’s wildly popular (and delicious!) signature fundraising event. Enjoy the Taste of the North Shore on Tuesday, March 18 from 6PM8PM at Danversport, 161 Elliot St., Danvers. Raffl e tickets are $100 and include one admission and a chance to win $10,000. Purchase your tickets and view the most up-to-date list of participating restaurants and sponsors on www. peabodyrotarytaste.com or connect with us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ events/2762682907292312/. ing — and growing — lineup of North Shore restaurants offering mouth-watering main courses, decadent desserts and savory spirits. Taste some of the best food and drink the North Shore has to off er from: Rumson’s, Chick-fil-A, Treadwell’s, Root, Sol Bean, In the Game, Mexicali Cantina Grill, Granite Coast Brewing, Bagel World, Amigo’s Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar, Ithaki, Magia, Rev, D’Orsi’s, Aroma Joe’s, Clean Eatz, & Kouzina, with more added every day! A special thanks to our genf Revere, formerly of Billerica and Winthrop. Passed away peacefully, following a lengthy illness on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. She was 87 years old. Born in Winthrop on July 14, 1937, to the late George S. and Mildred (Diehl) Jenkins, BettyAnn was raised in Winthrop and graduated from Winthrop High School with the class of 1955. She remained in Winthrop until marrying the love of her life, James F. Pericotti, on November 6, 1960. Together they moved to Somerville to start their family before settling in Billerica for 39 years. As her children grew up, she became active in the community and became a member of Billerica Friends of Music. Later in life, she returned to Winthrop before making her home in Revere. BettyAnn worked as a secretary at the State House and for several companies, including Taxman and Middlesex Paving Corporation. More recently, she served as an aide at Hajjar Elementary School in Billerica for 20 years. She had a passion for knitting and quilting and was an avid fan of golf and tennis. A true animal lover, she adored her cat, Penny. Above all, she loved her family and cherished spending time with them. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who will be missed by all who knew her. BettyAnn was the loving wife of James F. Pericotti with whom she shared 64 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Francine Meigs and her husband Jonathan of Leominster, Jeannine Pericotti of Billerica, and James F. Pericotti, Jr., and his wife Jennifer of Danvers. The cherished grandmother of Matthew J. Meigs of Leominster, Richard J. Meigs and his wife Stephanie of Monson, Frederick J. Leite and his wife Jessica of Tewksbury, Steven L. Pafume and his Fiancée Cristina Santos of Lexington and Tyler W. Rosso of Danvers; Great grandmother of Jonathan and Joseph Leite. She is also survived by her adored cat, Penny. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend a visitation on Friday, February 21st, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, 262 Beach St., Revere. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Friday at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Winthrop Cemetery. In lieu of fl owers, donations may be made in her memory to the Lowell Humane Society, 951 Broadway St., Lowell, MA 01854. Peabody Rotary’s 2025 Taste of the North Shore Just a Few Weeks Away! P erous top sponsors: Platinum Plate: GraVoc and Lyon-Waugh Auto Group Gold Plate: Holden Family, North Shore Bank, Maclean, Holloway, Doherty & Sheehan, and The Savings Bank. Check out our many other sponsors at www.peabodyrotarytaste.com. Admission to the event includes tastings from over 25 North Shore food and drink establishments, a limited number of $20 mystery bags with a range of prize values inside (minimum $25, some are double that amount!); our popular stock-your-cellar wine, beer and bourbon raffl es; and an amazing silent auction. The night is capped off with the raffl e drawing of a $10,000 Grand Prize. There’s a maximum of 300 tickets sold, and the winner does not need to be present. The Taste of the North Shore is Peabody Rotary’s biggest fundraiser. Money raised funds student scholarships, meals for those with food insecurity, the revitalization of Peabody open space, and partnerships with dozens of local organizations that make our community stronger. “The entire club pitches in and looks forward to this event each year,” said Club CoPresidents Cindy Moore and Kerry Armstrong. For more information about Peabody Rotary’s charitable activities, visit: www.rotarypeabody.org. With hundreds of people attending, participation or sponsorship is a great opportunity for business exposure. All participating restaurants and sponsors are featured prominently on the Taste website, Facebook, and at the event. If you are interested in being a food vendor (only a few spots left!), sponsor or attendee, or would like to donate items for our auction, please go to the Taste website: www.peabodyrotarytaste.com. We hope you’ll join us on March 18th! FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: rotarypeabody@gmail.com
Page 18 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 “Today we struck a balance By Bob Katzen If you have any questions about this week’s report, e-mail us at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com or call us at (617) 720-1562 GET A FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO MASSTERLIST — Join more than 22,000 people, from movers and shakers to political junkies and interested citizens, who start their weekday morning with MASSterList— the popular newsletter that chronicles news and informed analysis about what’s going on up on Beacon Hill, in Massachusetts politics, policy, media and infl uence. The stories are drawn from major news organizations as well as specialized publications. MASSterlist will be e-mailed to you FREE every Monday through Friday morning and will give you a leg up on what’s happening in the blood sport of Bay State politics. For more information and to get your free subscription, go to: https:// MASSterList/subscribe/ THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local senator’s votes on roll calls from the week of Feb. 10-14. There were no roll Calls in the House last week. $425 MILLION FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE (EA) SHELTER SYSTEM (S 16) Senate 33-6, approved a fi scal 2025 supplemental budget that includes $425 million to fund the state’s emergency shelter system and make some changes to tighten eligibility for it. The vote was almost strictly along party lines with all Republicans voting against it and all but one Democrat voting for it. The Democrats say the measure makes major reforms. The Republicans say while the bill includes some reforms they have long sought, it does not go far enough, and they all voted against it. The House has already approved a different version of the bill and a House-Senate conference committee will likely hammer out a compromise version. The bill would cap capacity in the system at 4,000 families for the period Dec. 31, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2026. There were more than 6,000 families relying on the system at the end of January. Other provisions reduce the maximum length in a shelter from nine to six consecutive months; phase out the use of hotels and motels for emergency housing by the end of this year; require a report on strategies to prevent homelessness and promote stable rehousing; and make temporary respite sites available to families that appear eligible for the system for up to 30 days upon arrival in Massachusetts. between our fi scal responsibility to Massachusetts taxpayers and our moral obligation to moms, dads and kids who are in a diffi cult moment,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “We prioritize Massachusetts families in need, ensure transparency in the program and lay the groundwork for long-term solutions to homelessness.” “I’m pleased that the Senate has passed this supplemental budget to provide funding and further clarify supportive services for unhoused families in the commonwealth,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The Senate has largely concurred with the House in making these important but necessary changes to the family shelter system. These adjustments will allow families to transfer out of these temporary housing units more readily, continue our track of providing sustainable employment and provide a glide path for exiting the system.” Rodrigues continued, “This bill strikes a balance by supporting families in crisis, while responsibly managing taxpayer dollars as we redouble our efforts to move the EA shelter system towards a fi scally sustainable future. Going forward, this legislation also puts more stringent reporting requirements from the Administration, so the Legislature can continue to track and monitor the EA shelter program.” “I strongly oppose spending an additional $425 million on the unaccountable, unsustainable EA shelter program,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “For years, I have sounded the alarm bell that the right to shelter law is in desperate need of reform. Yesterday, the Legislature embarrassed itself by loudly rejecting amendments to prioritize Massachusetts residents in shelters and to perform background checks. We’ve seen countless cases of rape, assault, drug traffi cking and even death in the shelters.” Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) said he voted against the bill, as he has voted against every spending bill that has included exorbitant funding for our shelter system since a migrant crisis emerged in late 2023. “Simply put, our state cannot aff ord to keep pouring massive sums of money into this unsustainable system,” said O’Connor. “We need serious reforms to our EA shelter system and our Right to Shelter law, which is why I’ve also fi led a bill to restrict the right to shelter to Massachusetts residents — as was the original intent of the law. It is my hope that we will achieve signifi cant reforms to the EA shelter system that will ensure its long-term fi scal sustainability and protect this valuable resource for Massachusetts residents.” “For the last three years, the Senate and legislature has been spending billions of dollars for the shelter program riddled with active criminals, yet they still refuse to impose comprehensive background checks,” said Paul Craney, executive director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. “How many more years will it take before the Legislature fi nally sees the value in national and international background checks is unknown. What is known is that the Senate is happy to join the House in spending more of our taxpayer money to bail out the failed shelter program.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Didn’t Vote BROADER BACKGROUND CHECKS (S 16) Senate 38-0, approved an amendment that would require the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police, to study the feasibility of conducting a National Crime Information Center background check for each adult or benefi ciary applying for the emergency shelter program. “It should be our goal to verify that individuals with violent criminal backgrounds are not endangering others in our temporary emergency shelter system,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “If adopted, this amendment would help us review each applicant’s history more thoroughly, including offenses from outside of the commonwealth.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Didn’t Vote PRIORITY TO BAY STATE RESIDENTS (S 15) Senate 8-30, rejected an amendment that would require that the state prioritize giving long term shelter to legal Massachusetts residents whose initial cause of homelessness and application for shelter occurred while they were residing legally in Massachusetts.” Amendment supporters said it is fair to give Bay State residents priority over people who recently came here from other states. Sen. Peter Durant (R-Spencer), the sponsor of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on the defeat of his amendment. Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport) said the amendment is extremely broad and applies not only to emergency assistance but to all state-funded housing programs. He noted it could cause confusion and negatively impact residents at state housing. He asked senators to Imagine a single mother with a child fl eeing a domestic violence situation in a neighboring state. This would prohibit them from seeking safe shelter in Massachusetts. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment giving priority to Massachusetts residents. A ”No” vote is against giving priority.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Didn’t Vote 12-MONTH RESIDENCY REQUIRED (S 15) Senate 6-32, rejected an amendment that would require that to be eligible for benefi ts under the emergency assistance shelter program, an applicant must have resided in
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 Page 19 Massachusetts for twelve consecutive months immediately prior to the date of their application. The applicant must also provide an acceptable form of verifi cation such as tax returns; a MA REAL-ID; a utility bill; a lease or mortgage; or pay stubs showing Massachusetts employment. The residency requirement would not apply to victims of domestic violence or to any person whose living situation has been aff ected by a fi re or other natural disaster that occurred in the Bay State. Amendment supporters said the amendment is fair and reasonable and makes it easy to prove a 12-month residency. Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), the sponsor of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on the defeat of his amendment. Sen. Will Brownsberger (DBelmont) said the amendment is unconstitutional and immoral. He said that the U.S. Supreme Court and the state’s Supreme Judicial Court have ruled that a state cannot discriminate against people who have not lived in the state very long. (A “Yes” vote is for the 12-month residency requirement. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Didn’t Vote INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF SHELTER PROGRAM (S 15) Senate 6-32, rejected an amendment that would have required an independent review of the emergency assistance housing program by the Inspector General, to help identify savings and potential cost recovery. “Two things about the emergency assistance shelter system are clear. First, the costs have skyrocketed well beyond the point of sustainability, and second, we would benefi t from fresh eyes and an independent review of the system to help improve the program’s fi - nancial sustainability and effectiveness,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Becca Rausch (DNeedham). “We need this review, particularly as additional changes are made to further restrict access to the system, even as we have not seen any cost savings by prior access restriction changes, perhaps because those further imposed rules and restrictions raise administrative costs. The Inspector General and his team are trained experts in this type of work, and it is squarely within their jurisdiction to do the work described in this amendment.” Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport) said the Inspector General’s offi ce is an independent body not beholden to the Legislature and already has the power to inspect any state agency. He said that it is not the role of the Legislature to direct the Inspector General on what to inspect. (A “Yes” vote is for requiring the review. A “No” vote is against requiring it.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Didn’t Vote INVESTIGATE SECURITY LAPSES AND SHORTCOMINGS (S 15) Senate 6-32, rejected an amendment that would require the Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight to investigate the emergency housing assistance program’s security lapses and shortcomings which amendment supporters say have compromised public safety, health and security. “There are still so many unanswered questions about the emergency shelter system,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “We still don’t have answers on the process to admit families into shelters, where money is being spent and how public safety issues are addressed. The purpose of the Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight is to audit the performance of legislative programs, like the emergency shelter system. This amendment would have provided transparency to both the Legislature and the public and it is unfortunate that it was not passed.” Amendment opponents said it’s not the job of senators to direct a Senate committee on how to do its job. They noted that the bill itself already makes safety reform a priority and includes background checks. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Didn’t Vote ADOPT JOINT HOUSE-SENATE RULES FOR 2025-2026 SESSION (S 15) Senate 39-0, adopted and sent to the House for consideration joint House-Senate rules for the 2025-2026 session. Provisions include increasing the time for notifying the public about joint committee hearings from 72 hours to fi ve days; requiring that all fi rst meetings of a conference committee be open to the public and media; requiring at least one full day between a conference committee report fi ling and a legislative vote on the report; requiring sponsors of all bills to submit bill summaries which must be made publicly available alongside the bill text; changing the name of the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy to the Committee on Climate, Utilities and Energy; the Committee on Elder Aff airs to the Committee on Aging and Independence; and the Committee on Agriculture to the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries. “These changes would provide more opportunity to residents to participate in the BEACON | SEE Page 20 How to Choose and Use a Home Blood Pressure Monitor Dear Savvy Senior, Can you off er me any tips on choosing and using a home blood pressure monitor? I just found out I have high blood pressure and my doctor recommended I get a home monitor so I can keep tabs on it. Just Turned 63 Dear 63, Everyone with high blood pressure (130/80 or higher) should have a home blood pressure monitor. Home monitoring can help you keep tabs on your blood pressure in a comfortable setting. Plus, if you’re taking medication it will make certain it’s working, and alert you to a health problem if it arises. Here are some top-rated blood pressure monitors to consider along with some tips to help ensure you take an accurate reading. Best Monitors The most accurate and easiest to use home blood pressure monitors today are electric/battery powered automatic arm monitors, which are more reliable than wrist or fi ngertip monitors. With an automatic arm monitor, you simply wrap the cuff around your bicep and with the push of one button the cuff infl ates and defl ates automatically giving you your blood pressure reading on the display window in a matter of seconds. Many automatic monitors also come with additional features such as irregular heartbeat detection that checks for arrhythmias and other abnormalities; a risk category indicator that tells you whether your blood pressure is in the high range; a data-averaging function that allows you to take multiple readings and get an overall average; multiple user memory that allows two or more users to save their readings; and downloadable memory that lets you transmit your data to your smartphone or computer. The top fi ve automatic arm monitors as recommended by Consumer Reports for 2025 are the Omron Platinum BP5450 ($90), Omron 10 Series BP7450 ($70), Omron Evolv BP7000 ($70), A&D Medical UA767F ($55), and Omron 3 Series BP7100 ($55). And the top wrist monitors are the Omron 7 Series BP6350 ($55) and the Equate (Walmart) 4500 Series ($40). You can purchase these blood pressure monitors at pharmacies, medical supply stores or online and you don’t need a prescription to buy one. Prices, however, will vary slightly depending on where you buy. How to Measure After you buy your monitor, it’s a good idea to take it to your doctor’s offi ce so they can check its accuracy and make sure you’re using it properly. Here are some additional steps to follow to ensure you get accurate measurements at home. Be still: Don’t exercise, smoke or drink caffeinated drinks or alcohol for at least 30 minutes before measuring. Empty your bladder and ensure at least 5 minutes of quiet rest before measurements. Sit correctly: Sit with your back straight and supported (on a dining chair, rather than a sofa). Your feet should be fl at on the fl oor and your legs should not be crossed. Your arm should be supported on a fl at surface (such as a table) with the upper arm at heart level. Make sure the middle of the cuff is placed directly above the bend of the elbow. Check your monitor’s instructions for an illustration. Don’t measure over cloths: Put the cuff directly on your bare skin. Putting it over clothes can raise your systolic (upper) number by up to 40 mmHg. Measure at the same time: It’s important to take the readings at the same time each day, such as in the morning before taking medications, or evening before dinner. Take multiple readings: Each time you measure, take at least two readings one minute apart and record the results. For more information on high blood pressure numbers and how to accurately measure it at home, visit Heart. org/HBP. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
Page 20 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 BEACON | FROM Page 19 Legislature’s work, encourage greater insight into bills being considered by the Legislature and provide more transparency on legislators’ positions on issues that impact Massachusetts residents,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “This comprehensive rule proposal was a collaborative effort that makes the work we do here in the Senate more transparent, more effi cient and respectful to the needs of members and residents,” said Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem), Chair of the Senate Committee on Rules. “We are proud of the Senate’s work, and we want people to know what is going on in The People’s House. These measures take meaningful steps towards a more transparent Legislature and allow for more access to information by members of the public about our work, including easier participation.” (A “Yes” vote is for the rules package.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Didn’t Vote MORE TIME TO READ CONFERENCE COMMITTEE BILLS (S 15) Senate 5-33, rejected an amendment that would allow members 48 hours to read the conference committee version of a bill. A conference version of a bill is the compromise version that is hammered out by a joint House-Senate committee when the House and Senate approve diff erent versions of legislation. “I voted for this amendment 855-GO-4-GLAS Your Hometown News Delivered! EVERETT ADVOCATE MALDEN ADVOCATE REVERE ADVOCATE SAUGUS ADVOCATE One year subscription to The Advocate of your choice: $200 per paper in-town per year or $225 per paper out-of-town per year. Name_________________________________________ Address_______________________________________ City_______________ State_______ Zip ____________ CC# _______________________________ Exp. _____ Sec. code____ Advocate (City):___________________ Clip & Mail Coupon with Credit Card, Check or Money Order to: Advocate Newspapers Inc. PO Box 490407, Everett, MA 02149 … because it ensures that both the appointed conference committee members and the public have suffi cient time to understand and evaluate complex bills before they are voted on,” said Sen. Kelly Dooner (R-Taunton). “By setting a clear deadline and allowing more time to analyze the fi nal conference report, this change promotes transparency to the public and helps prevent the Legislature from acting without proper deliberation and input from our communities.” Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), the sponsor of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on the defeat of his amendment. Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) said the bill itself already allows one calendar day for members to read a conference committee bill and argued that it is a suffi - cient amount of time. (A “Yes” vote is for the 48 hours. A “No” vote is against the 48 hours.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Didn’t Vote REQUIRE ROLL CALL ON CONFERENCE COMMITTEE BILLS (S 15) Senate 9-29, rejected an amendment that would require that a roll call vote be held on all conference committee versions of a bill. “Constituents frequently ask how I have voted on major bills and how my colleagues have voted,” said amendment sponsor Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy) “This amendment sought to ensure the people we represent know how we vote on important matters like conference committee reports.” Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) said this new rule is not necessary because members already have the opportunity to ask for a roll call vote when a conference committee bill comes before the Senate for a vote. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment requiring a roll call vote. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Didn’t Vote EXPAND CONFLICT OF INTEREST BAN (S 15) Senate 38-0, approved an amendment to a rule that would prohibit legislators from purchasing, directly or indirectly, the stock or other securities of any corporation or association, knowing that there is pending before the Legislature any measure specially “granting the corporation or association any immunity, exemption, privilege or benefi t or any measure providing for the creation of, or directly aff ecting any, contractual relations between the corporation or association and the state.” The amendment would expand the ban to include any immediate family member of a legislator. “Public service needs to be as far removed from unfair fi nancial incentives and advantages as possible,” said amendment sponsor Sen. John Keenan (DQuincy). “The commonwealth already prohibits legislators from buying stock based on the information they learn through their work at the Statehouse, but this amendment, which the Senate adopted on a unanimous roll call vote, will also prohibit legislators using this information to sell stock and will restrict their family members from making similar fi nancial transactions based on knowlCopyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record, a weekly trade newspaper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group. For a searchable database of real estate transactions and property information visit: www.thewarrengroup.com BUYER1 Dicarlo, Logan M REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS SELLER1 BUYER2 Dicarlo Leo J Est SELLER2 Dicarlo, Denise ADDRESS 260 Crest Ave DATE PRICE 01.31.25 855000 edge legislators have gained as a result of their positions.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment expanding the ban to apply to immediate family members.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Didn’t Vote ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL AG CAMPBELL JOINS LAWSUIT TARGETING ELON MUSK — Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, along with twelve other Attorneys General, fi led a lawsuit challenging the exercise of executive power by Elon Musk. The lawsuit argues that President Trump has violated the United States Constitution by creating a new federal Department without Congressional approval and by granting Musk sweeping powers over the entire federal government without seeking the advice and consent of the Senate. “The President cannot create a new department to restructure the federal government and certainly cannot give unchecked power to a billionaire friend without Congressional action,” said Campbell. “Our lawsuit seeks to put an end to the ongoing corruption and abuse of power at DOGE that threatens funding for crucial needs such as healthcare, education and more.” U.S. ATTORNEY LEAH FOLEY’S OFFICE COLLECTS MORE THAN $60 MILLION IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL ACTIONS — United States Attorney Leah Foley announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Offi ce for the District of Massachusetts collected $60.17 million in criminal and civil actions in fi scal year 2024, including $19.56 million in criminal actions and $40.6 million in civil actions. “The American people deserve a government that is both accountable and effective in protecting their hard-earned tax dollars,” said Foley. “These substantial recoveries reflect our unwavering commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars, holding wrongdoers accountable and securing justice for victims of fraud and other ofRevere
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 Page 21 fenses. Whether through civil enforcement, asset recovery or criminal prosecution, our offi ce will continue to aggressively pursue those who seek to defraud the government and exploit the public.” $158 MILLION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING — Gov. Maura Healey announced $158 million in low-income housing tax credit and subsidy awards for fourteen affordable housing projects across the state. These awards are aimed at supporting the production and preservation of 1,138 aff ordable units for seniors and families across the state. “High housing costs are one of the biggest challenges facing Massachusetts residents,” said Healey. “Our administration is refusing to kick the can down the road. We need to increase housing production across the state to lower costs — and these aff ordable housing awards will help us get there. Because of our tax cuts package, we are able to give out more funding than ever before, which will directly support the creation of more than 1,000 affordable homes for seniors and families across our state.” EXCLUDE TIPS FROM TAXABLE INCOME — Rep. Michael Soter (R-Bellingham) fi led legislation that would exclude tipped wages from taxable Income. The measure is aimed at providing tax relief for service industry workers who rely on tips as a major source of their earnings. Supporters said that by excluding tipped wages from state income tax calculations, the bill would allow workers in restaurants, hospitality and other tipped professions to take home more of their income. “This last election, the service industry made it clear that they would rather keep tips than have the government set an hourly rate,” said Soter. “This is an industry full of hard-working individuals that deserve to keep all their hard-earned money by not taxing tips. These servers and the industry were hit the hardest after COVID, and this would give much relief to these hard-working citizens who deal with such unpredictable weekly incomes.” QUOTABLE QUOTES — BY THE DOLLAR EDITION The state’s Office of Campaign and Political Finance released figures showing that committees that supported or opposed the fi ve questions on the November 5 ballot spent a total of $25.2 million. Here is the breakdown: Question 1 (passed): Give State Auditor the Authority to Audit the Legislature Supporters: $414,808 Opponents: $0 Question 2 (passed): Elimination of MCAS as High School Graduation Requirement Supporters: $950,000 Opponents: $5,318,258 Question 3 (passed) Unionization for Uber, Lyft and other Transportation Network Drivers Supporters: $7,259,067 Opponents: $0 Question 4 (failed) Limited Legalization and Regulation of Some Natural Psychedelic Substances Supporters: $7,723,405 Opponents: $128,803 Question 5 (failed) Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers Supporters: $889,526 Opponents: $2,515,568 HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been fi led. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of Feb. 1014, the House met for a total of eight minutes while the Senate met for a total of 15 hours and 59 minutes. Mon Feb. 10 House 11:03 a.m. to 11:09 a.m. Senate 11:30 a.m. to 11:57 a.m. Tues. Feb. 11 No House session No Senate session Wed. Feb. 12 No House session Senate 11:05 a.m. to 8:05 p.m. Thurs. Feb. 13 House 11:02 a.m. to 11:04 a.m. Senate 10:04 a.m. to 4:36 p.m. Fri. Feb. 14 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019. ~ School Bus Drivers Wanted ~ 7D Licensed School Bus Drivers Malden Trans is looking for reliable drivers for the new school year. We provide ongoing training and support for licensing requirements. Applicant preferably lives local (Malden, Everett, Revere). Part-time positions available and based on AM & PM school hours....15-30 hours per week. Good driver history from Registry a MUST! If interested, please call David @ 781-322-9401. CDL SCHOOL BUS DRIVER WANTED Compensation: $28/hour School bus transportation company seeking active CDL drivers who live LOCALLY (Malden, Everett, Chelsea and immediate surrounding communities). - Applicant MUST have BOTH S and P endorsements Good driver history from Registry a MUST! - Part-time hours, BUT GUARANTEED 20-35 HOURS PER WEEK depending on experience. Contact David @ 781-322-9401. Lawn and Yard Care SNOW PLOWING *REASONABLE RATES * PROMPT SERVICE * PARKING LOTS USA 781-521-9927 Call Driveways from $35
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Page 24 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025
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